A 25-year-old Adams County man has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for his role in straw purchasing four firearms for individuals prohibited from possessing them.
Donovyn Lee Smallwood, of McSherrystown, pleaded guilty to the offenses, which involved the purchase of four 9mm handguns from a licensed firearms dealer in September 2021. At the time of the purchases, Smallwood falsely stated that he was the actual purchaser.
One of the firearms was subsequently used in a homicide and a separate carjacking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced.
The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore Police Department.
U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson handed down the sentence on May 29, 2024. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of straw purchasing and the importance of holding accountable those who facilitate it.
Straw purchasing occurs when an individual purchases a firearm on behalf of someone else who is prohibited from owning one. This can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in this case where one of the firearms was used in a homicide and carjacking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has been aggressive in pursuing cases involving straw purchasing and other firearms-related offenses. This case serves as a warning to others who may be considering engaging in similar activities.
The sentence is a significant blow to those who facilitate straw purchasing and highlights the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to keeping our communities safe from gun violence.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a program that has been effective in reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. By working together, law enforcement and community organizations can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by crime.
Related Federal Cases
- Philadelphia Man Charged in Straw Purchasing Guns Scandal · Delaware
- Bloomsburg Man Packs Heat, Gets 2 Years · Pennsylvania
- Valley Felons Busted with Illegal Firearms · Washington
- Johnstown Woman Admits Gun Straw Purchase Scheme · Pennsylvania
- Wilkinsburg Felon Gets 8 Years for Illegal .22 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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